Manchester City rolled on comfortably in the first 20 minutes of the game but only managed just an attempt.
A brilliant long spell of possession, good link-up play by the visitors could not pass the Arsenal test at the defense as the Gunners mounted a formidable defensive pact to curtail City’s chances.
Much of the game was played in Arsenal’s half but City rarely make inroads into the final third.
There was a big scare moment for the home fans as David Raya’s blunder nearly gifted Manchester City the lead.
Trying to clear a long ball on his line, Raya ended up crashing a shot on Julian Alvarez but the rebound cannoned off over the post. A big relief for the fans!
Arsenal picked up the first yellow card in the game following a reckless challenge by Jorginho on Phil Foden.
Phil Foden had stole his way pass the Italian midfielder and was dragged down when he almost ran off the former Chelsea man. Michael Oliver had no choice but to dish out his first yellow card.
Despite playing second fiddle to the away side, Arsenal maintained a great composure enough to soak up City’s pressure.
City bagged two yellow cards in less than 10 minutes. Bernardo Silva got booked for a rash challenge on Eddie Nketiah in Arsenal’s half.
Mateo Kovacic was also booked for a strong tackle on Martin Odegaard. After brandishing a yellow card on the Croatian midfielder, VAR called for a possible red card but Michael Olivier stuck to the yellow card after review.
Kovacic was again on the spotlight for another rough challenge on Declan Rice but Oliver only awarded a freekick and refused to book the Croat.
It was still barren at the half hour with Manchester City still dominating proceedings with no clear cut chances created.
It ended barren at the interval. Manchester City were the better side with Gvardiol and Nathan Ake squandering City’s only two big chances.
Both City and Arsenal’s strike force failed to produce any quality moment in the game before going into the break. With the game finely poised at the interval, the two sides had a lot to play for in the last 45 minutes.
Mikel Arteta made his first substitution in the game, bringing on Gabriel Martinelli for Leandro Trossard in the 46th minute.
The Brazilian winger turned out to be a big attacking boost for Arsenal early in the second half. Every of his touch in the ball was greeted with a roar by Arsenal fans but the game was still closed at both ends with no clearcut chance created.
With the hour mark crossed, it was still barren. Erling Haaland seems to have lost his spark with no big moment. It was Julian Alvarez who was carrying City’s attacking threats but Arsenal defense were equal to his challenge.
Manchester City made a triple change in the 68th with Doku, Nunes, and Stones coming on for Alvarez, Kovacic, and Lewis.
Mikel Arteta also made his triple change in the 75th minute, bringing on Tomiyasu, Havertz, and Partey for Zinchenko, Nketiah, and Jorginho.
Jeremy Doku lit Manchester City attack after coming on but could not beat the challenge by Ben White.
Arsenal finally takes lead!!
Gabriel Martinelli sent the Emirates into a loud uproar just at the edge of regulation time. Martinelli latched on Tomiyasu’s header and fired a curled attempt on goal.
The shot deflected off Nathan Ake and flew into the bottom-left corner wrongfooting Ederson. It was Arsenal’s second attempt and it turned out to be the match winner.
City made efforts to hit a leveler but Arsenal held on to defeat the Premier League champions and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
It was Mikel Arteta’s first Premier League win over his former boss, Pep Guardiola, who suffered his first back-to-back Premier League defeat since 2015.
